Compass Transport Solutions Ltd

DCPC exemptions…

There’s often a lot of confusion around when scaffolders & other trades who drive HGVs actually need a Driver CPC. The reality is you don’t always – but the exemption only applies in very specific circumstances.

If you’re driving a lorry with scaffold and tools that you’ll personally be using on site, and your main role is scaffolding rather than driving, then you can usually rely on the exemption. DVSA’s guidance talks about driving not being your “principal activity”, which in practice means less than 30% of your working time.

To put that into perspective: on a standard 40-hour week, 30% works out to 12 hours. So if you spend under 12 hours driving and the rest erecting or dismantling scaffold, you fall within the exemption. Once your driving hours push over that, you’ll need a Driver CPC.

The crucial part is being able to evidence it. If you’re stopped roadside, it’s not enough to say “I’m a scaffolder”. Timesheets, job sheets, and importantly your tachograph records all build the picture. For example, if your tacho shows 8 hours of driving in a week, and your timesheet shows 32 hours on the tools, that backs up the exemption.

Always evidence everything, and if in doubt… assume DCPC is required.

But please, don’t take it as a get out of jail card around training… you will never be under scrutiny for doing too much training, doing the bare minimum however is a different story!

Our in classroom TMCPC course in full swing today! Great to see the progress the guys have made so far!

Our classes are capped at a maximum of 5 people for an optimum learning experience for all of the delegates, next course is September, keep your eyes peeled for some videos from this one!

TM CPC Prep for next weeks course!

Another fully booked course, next one is in September… keep your eyes peeled for some footage appearing on social media from this course courtesy of one of our delegates! This will give everyone an insight into what it takes to achieve the qualification 😬😬

⭐️ 2 Spaces available for our May course!

📖 19-30 May (Exams 3rd June)

➡️ NEW HYBRID OPTION! Get all the benefit of the classroom… from the comfort of your home!

👉 All classes will be capped at a maximum of 5 people, this ensures all delegates get the best possible experience and also opportunity for more in depth training.

👉 You get access to both traditional materials in a folder format with up to date information & also an online portal loaded with over 350 different Multi Choice Questions & Case study scenarios to prepare you!

👉 We are the only provider to offer a guaranteed pass, we understand that sometimes it goes wrong on the exam. We will reward your commitment with free resits until you pass (T&Cs apply)

2025 price guarantee - all courses for 2025 remain at £1500.00 + VAT for Transport Manager CPC - Lunch included - (Flexible Payment options available to suit your needs)

If you have any questions or would like to book please drop us a message or call on 01422 752512